ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WOLO) -- Members of the Providence Baptist Church in Orangeburg rebuild after a tornado touched down in the Midlands, sending two giant pine trees literally into the sanctuary.

Two, decades-old trees caved in on Providence Baptist Church just two days before Sunday service. Monday, the clean up continues.
As church pastor, Rev. Kimmett Lott, waits on adjusters and contractors to officially weigh in, fans abound to dry the carpet, water-damaged pews air out, part of the ceiling continues to leak, and what's left of the roof is boarded by plywood.

"Sometimes God sends storms in your life, to test us to see how we'll react," said Rev. Lott.

Nearby resident, Tom Stanley said he's never seen wind blowing so hard in his life. The storm left the church and headed north to his house. The windshield of his golf cart detached before hitting the ground. Flying debris scratched up $2,300 in damage to his new car.
The 100-year-old cedar in his yard, in shreds. Still, he put off repairs of his own property to pitch in at the church. It's work Pastor Lott suspects won't end for several days. Until the roof is repaired, he says service will continue in the facility.

If you'd like to assist in the clean-up efforts, contact Pastor Kimmett Lott at 803-917-2630. The church is located at 171 Nandina Trail, Orangeburg, SC, 29118.